USC vs. San Jose State score: Live game updates, college football scores, NCAA top 25 highlights today

The Trojans' quest for the College Football Playoff begins in Week 0 vs. a quality Mountain West foe

No. 6 USC hosts San Jose State on Saturday in a battle of in-state programs ready to kick off their respective seasons. The Trojans are the only top-10 team in action during Week 0 before the full slate of games start up next week. USC has hopes of reaching the College Football Playoff in Year 2 of the Lincoln Riley/Caleb Williams era, and the Spartans have eyes on a Mountain West championship. 

Williams, the winner of the 2022 Heisman trophy and the likely No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has a chance to start his repeat Heisman campaign a week earlier than some of the top competitors aiming for the Heisman ceremony in New York in December. 

USC was on the doorstep of reaching the CFP last season before falling in the Pac-12 Championship Game to Utah and then blowing a late lead to Tulane in the Cotton Bowl to end the season 11-3. San Jose State finished the 2022 season 7-5 and hopes star quarterback Chevan Cordeiro can lead them to its second conference championship in four seasons.

Keep it locked with CBS Sports through the game for live updates, analysis and highlights as USC battles San Jose State. 

How to watch USC vs. San Jose State live

Three players to watch

Caleb Williams, QB, USC: Williams is the best player in the country playing the most important position in the sport. He has drawn comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes, and there's a chance the USC star can become the second player in the history of the sport to win the Heisman trophy twice. Williams threw for 4,537 yards and 42 touchdowns and scored 10 more touchdowns on the ground in 2022, so it will be a challenge to exceed that production from last fall. However, you can make the argument that the offensive weapons around him are even better this year. Watching the defending Heisman Trophy winner in Week 0 is a strong appetizer for the rest of the season.

Dorian Singer, WR, USC: Singer was so impressive for Arizona a season ago that even Williams asked USC coaches if they were "gonna go get him" through the transfer portal. Williams got his wish, and Singer will look to solidify himself as one of the best wide receivers in the country after catching 66 passes for 1,105 yards and six touchdowns last fall. Singer gives Williams a true WR1, and the group of Singer, Brenden Rice, Mario Williams and true freshman Zachariah Branch should be among the best in the country.

Chevan Cordeiro, QB, San Jose State: This will be the biggest test of Cordeiro's college career. The USC defense isn't a world beater by any means, but this will be the first time the sixth-year senior has faced a top-10 opponent. There is a lot of hype surrounding the 6-foot-1 signal-caller this fall and for good reason. He enters as the undisputed starter for the Spartans after throwing for 3,250 yards with 32 total touchdowns last fall. Cordeiro was tabbed the Mountain West preseason Offensive Player of the Year, and his performance could set the tone for the rest of the season regardless of Saturday's outcome. 

USC vs. San Jose State prediction 

USC's offense is going to finish the season as one of the best units in college football. The defense, on the other hand, has major question marks and San Jose State will be a tough opening test. Cordeiro will be in the thick of the Mountain West Player of the Year race and could give the Trojans defense problems. USC scored 66 points in last season's opener against Rice and 45 against a fellow Mountain West opponent in Fresno State. If you like a lot of points and two high-powered West Coast offenses, this is the game for you to watch in Week 0. Prediction: Over 66.5